Approximate composite marginal likelihood inference in spatial generalized linear mixed models

Non-Gaussian spatial responses are usually modeled using spatial generalized linear mixed model with spatial random effects. The likelihood function of this model cannot usually be given in a closed form, thus the maximum likelihood approach is very challenging. There are numerical ways to maximize the likelihood function, such as Monte Carlo Expectation Maximization and Quadrature Pairwise Expectation Maximization algorithms. They can be applied but may in such cases be computationally very slow or even prohibitive. Gauss–Hermite quadrature approximation only suitable for low-dimensional latent variables and its accuracy depends on the number of quadrature points. Here, we propose a new approximate pairwise maximum likelihood method to the inference of the spatial generalized linear mixed model. This approximate method is fast and deterministic, using no sampling-based strategies. The performance of the proposed method is illustrated through two simulation examples and practical aspects are investigated through a case study on a rainfall data set.     

Linear scalar-on-surface random effects regression models

Many research fields increasingly involve analyzing data of a complex structure. Models investigating the dependence of a response on a predictor have moved beyond the ordinary scalar-on-vector regression. We propose a regression model for a scalar response and a surface (or a bivariate function) predictor. The predictor has a random component and the regression model falls in the framework of linear random effects models. We estimate the model parameters via maximizing the log-likelihood with the ECME (Expectation/Conditional Maximization Either) algorithm. We use the approach to analyze a data set where the response is the neuroticism score and the predictor is the resting-state brain function image. In the simulations we tried, the approach has better performance than two other approaches, a functional principal component regression approach and a smooth scalar-on-image regression approach.     

Population aging and long-term care policies in the Gulf region: a case study of Oman

Population aging is a phenomenon occurring across the globe including in countries traditionally exhibiting population dividends and “youth bulges.” The Gulf Corporation Council countries are no exception as they currently experience a process of population aging, albeit at a different stage from many developed countries. However, due to historically high fertility rates and fast-paced epidemiological transition, some of these countries will experience population aging at a higher pace than what has been observed in Europe and the United States. This article reviews recent developments in long-term care policies in the Gulf region with a focus on Oman as an example of a high-income Arab country that is experiencing population aging while still being governed by traditional family aged-care norms. Utilizing existing data and published research complemented by policy analysis and field visits, we analyze the process of population aging in Oman and neighboring countries and its policy implications.     

Social policies and solidarity during the Greek Crisis

This article provides a succinct overview of the phenomenon of solidarization in crisis‐ridden Greece. Brief accounts of the pre‐ and post‐crisis situation in four core social policy areas (health, employment, housing, education) are combined with the presentation of four illustrative case studies, one for each of the aforementioned areas. Drawing on a broad range of primary and secondary data, including 20 in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders and end‐users of the actions examined, we argue that while the crisis provoked a further “residualization” of the institutionalized solidarity system, it also triggered the development of new solidarity ventures, both by state and non‐state actors, often even including partnerships between them. These ventures reflect the building of a bridge between institutionalized and informal solidarity in Greece and the shift towards a new type of mixed, although fragmented, mode of solidarity.     

外语教学中的文化因素导入研究

在阐述外语教学中引进文化因素的重要性和必要性的基础上,指出语言结构文化、背景知识文化和与交际有关的文化应是外语教师重点导入内容。按话语场组织教学,不仅可以解决文化因素导入的选择,也可以解决文化教学与语言教学有机结合的问题,文化差异教学的目的才能实现。     

网络舆情评估EHA三维指标体系的构建

随着网络在我国的兴起和发展,网络舆情的评估已经成为评价和预警社会形势的重要指标.通过对现有舆情研究的调研和分析,得出由舆情要素、舆情热度和舆情活性3个一级指标、7个二级指标以及14个三级指标共同构建的网络舆情评估的EHA三维指标体系,并对各级指标给出了详尽的分析和阐述.     

侵犯著作权行为的刑事法分析

侵犯著作权的行为在我国近年有愈演愈烈的趋势,并且产生了一些新的侵权行为。相形之下,现行刑法中的相关规定在打击侵犯著作权行为的实践中渐显滞后。综观我国侵犯著作权立法的历史沿革和现行刑法中有关侵犯著作权罪的犯罪构成,结合司法实践,要从扩展刑法对著作权的保护范围,取消犯罪主观案件中的非法营利目的,侧重于对被害人的实质补偿,修改罚金刑、增强其可操作性,确立对侵犯著作权犯罪以自诉为主、公诉为辅的犯罪追诉模式和充分保护著作权人的权益以及社会公共利益等方面,进一步完善我国侵犯著作权罪的相关规定。     

Life and labor on the internal colonial edge: Political economy of kolberi in Rojhelat

Through the investigation of kolberi (cross-border labor), this paper sheds light on the state’s policy of de-development (or internal colonialization) of the Kurdish region (known as Rojhelat) in Iran. While the most dangerous form of labor, kolberi has become a dominant employment opportunity for Rojhelat Kurds in the last decade. There are no Iranian state laws criminalizing kolberi, and yet those laborers die on a regular basis—being shot or thrown off mountain cliffs by the state forces, stepping into minefields, and so forth. Nevertheless, there is not a single scholarly paper on this subject. Using the mixed methods research approach, our study analyzes the existing data along with in-depth interviews with 20 people who are currently engaged in kolberi to contextualize this understudied phenomenon. Our finding demonstrates that kolberi is a direct outcome of a uni-ethno-religious policies of development and part and parcel of the state's Perso-Shi‘ification strategy in Kurdistan. Therefore, kolberi is more of a political phenomenon than an economic one.     

Effective elements of care-physical activity initiatives for adults with a low socioeconomic status: A concept mapping study with health promotion experts

In care-physical activity (care-PA) initiatives, primary care and sports are combined to stimulate PA among adults at risk of lifestyle related diseases. Preliminary results from Dutch care-PA initiatives for adults with a low socioeconomic status (SES) indicate a decrease in participants’ body weight and an improved quality of life, however, the elements that make these initiatives successful are yet to be identified. In total, 19 Dutch health promotion experts participated in our concept mapping (CM) of the effective elements of care-PA initiatives for adults with a low SES. The experts identified 111 effective elements of these initiatives, which were grouped into 11 clusters, focusing on: 1) approaching participants within the care-PA initiative, 2) barriers experienced throughout the initiative, 3) long-term implementation, 4) customizing the care-PA initiative to the target population, 5) social support, 6) structure and guidance, 7) the professionals within the care-PA initiative, 8) the accessibility of the care-PA initiative, 9) targeted behaviour and progression, 10) recruitment and administration, and 11) intersectoral collaboration. CM was useful for creating a valuable overview of these effective elements. Our results could be used to improve the development and implementation of future care-PA initiatives for adults with a low SES.